Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hi guys! About 3 months ago I did a filter cleaning (which requires me to pull some pipes apart to get the pump out) and I noticed that the inside of my pipes is covered with worm-like growths that attach to the pipe walls and grow towards the center. They weren't causing issues and I remember reading on here that biofilm was expected in the pipes, which is why you should go large than needed.

Today, I noticed that my water flow had all but stopped and pulled the pump to find that the entire filter and the opening to the pump were now covered in this stuff. The outside of the pump has slimy algae, but anywhere in the dark is covered by these wormy filaments, almost like brown-green hair growing out of every surface.

I wasn't able to get a good picture because of the time of day and the fact that these are all internal surfaces, but does anyone have any idea what this might be and how I can prevent it from taking over my pump?

Thanks!

yes probably bioslime, nothing to worry about.

I guess your pump has an internal filter?
if so it may be best to remove it so the solids can get into your biofilter and do its job.